BAY VILLAGE, Ohio -- These days, anyone and everyone seems to know at least someone with special dietary needs.

Whether it's gluten-intolerant, lactose-intolerant, vegetarian, vegan, or any other type of diet that excludes certain foods, there are certain people who cannot/will not eat the traditionally-made baked goods full of butter, milk, eggs, sugar, etc. For this minority group, the simple acts of enjoying a cupcake, slice of cake, a cookie, or any other baked good is often a constant and impossible struggle.

For Derek Wytzka, owner and creator of Veg'n Out Cafe, taking on the challenge of developing delectable desserts containing dairy-free and other products not derived from animals was a task he saw fit to overcome. By experimenting with vegan-friendly ingredients like applesauce, soy milk, soy butter, and other organic/pure ingredients, Wytzka has been able to create baked goods that anyone and everyone can eat.

"We live in a world where people do not eat animal products due to intolerances or allergies, religion, personal beliefs, and I strive to be that company that they can turn to for their needs," Wytzka said. "My ingredients are mostly free from trans fats, unnecessary sugars and dyes, and any sort of chemicals or artificial flavorings."

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, made by Derek Wytzkacourtesy of Derek Wytzka

Veg'n Out Cafe came to be as a result of a business class project Wytzka was required to create during his senior year at Baldwin Wallace University. From there, he turned his school project into a real-life business in 2012.

Currently operating out of Wytzka's Bay Village home, the company produces a variety of vegan-friendly cookies, muffins, scones, and cupcakes. With an array of sweet treats like Boston cream cupcakes, oatmeal raisin cookies, cinnamon crunch muffins, and chocolate chip scones, Veg'n Out Cafe's menu continues to expand as the company grows.

Wytzka's passion for baking is something that has been rooted in him for as long as he could remember. "I can pretty much create whatever I want and throw my personality into my baking," he said. "It's something that focuses your mind when following instructions but also lets your mind wander when thinking of new flavors or new items to try."

In addition to a regular line of baked goods, the business is also available for catering special occasions as well a supplying vegan cakes, cupcakes, and any other pastries customers may have in mind.

The ultimate goal Wytzka holds for his vegan bakery is to open a storefront in the community. Whether in Bay Village or a nearby town, he is firm on the idea of staying in the general neighborhood of nearby cities: "This is the place where I grew up and I would love to do my part to give back to the community.

Twix cupcakes, made by Derek Wytzkacourtesy of Derek Wytzka

Within the next two or three years, he hopes to make this dream a reality. "Right now it's just me doing everything I can while still maintaining a full time [second] job," he said. With the support of his family and friends Wytzka has been focused on getting his company's name out there by building personal relationships with current and future customers.

Currently, Veg'n Out Cafe is a delivery/ pick-up business that can ship to anywhere in Ohio. By advertising through the company's website as well as social media networks like facebook and twitter, Wytzka hopes to continue to grow his customer foundation.

Creating his vegan bakery allows Wytzka the chance to, as he puts it, "Give an under-appreciated group of individuals a place that meat and dairy-free options [are] the main choice."

For more information on Veg'n Out Cafe and its products, visit their website at vegnoutbakery.com.

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